Margestudie

Margestudie is a term coined by the Dutch government to describe a study conducted in 2019 that examined the impact of the Dutch government's policy of encouraging women to return to work after having children. The study, which was conducted by the Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP), aimed to assess the effectiveness of the policy and its long-term effects on both women and the economy.

The policy, known as the "Werk en Zorg" (Work and Care) package, was introduced in 2015 and included measures such as increased childcare subsidies, flexible working hours, and a focus on work-life balance. The Margestudie was designed to evaluate the success of these initiatives in encouraging women to return to work and to determine the broader economic and social implications of the policy.

The study found that the policy had a positive impact on women's labor force participation. The proportion of women returning to work after having children increased significantly, with many women taking advantage of the increased childcare subsidies and flexible working arrangements. However, the study also highlighted some challenges, such as the need for more affordable childcare options and the importance of addressing gender stereotypes and biases in the workplace.

In terms of economic impact, the study suggested that the increased labor force participation of women contributed to economic growth. However, it also noted that there were disparities between different groups of women, with some groups, such as women with lower educational levels or from non-Western backgrounds, facing greater barriers to returning to work.

Overall, the Margestudie provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of the Dutch government's policy and highlighted the need for continued efforts to support women's return to work. The study's findings have been used to inform further policy developments and to promote best practices in the field of work-life balance.